Belarus, Council of Europe to develop cooperation in sports

Belarus and the Council of Europe are set to expand mutually benefitial cooperation in the field of physical culture and sport, reports BELTA, quoting the statement on by Belarus' sport and tourism minister Aleh Kachan and Council of Europe's youth and sports department head Ralf-Rene Weingertner at a meeting in Minsk on January 21. Aleh Kachan noted that Belarus has been active in interacting with Europe's sport bodies since 1994 and has felt support. The minister expressed hope for assistance from the Council of Europe in oder to ease the visa regime for Belarusian athletes who travel to tournaments in Europe.

Belarus promised to waive visas for sportsmen and fans that will take part in the 2014 Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk.